Purpose: Obesity is a risk factor for imbalance between the production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and high-intensity functional training (HIFT) on the levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and their ratio in obese and overweight women.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 36 overweight and obese women were selected as available and divided into three HIFT, HIIT and control groups. IL-10 and TNF-α plasma levels were measured in the pre-test. The exercise program was three sessions per week for eight weeks, with the intensity of the HIFT protocol equal to 6-7 RPE. HIIT exercises were performed as four one-minute interval runs at 85-95% of HR peak, followed by two minutes of walking at 50-60% of HR peak. 48 hours after the last training session, blood was drawn and the data were analyzed with dependent t, one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests at a significance level of P≤0.05.
Results: The results showed that in the trained groups compared to the control group and also compared to the pre-test, the levels of TNFα decreased, IL-10 increased and the ratio of IL-10 to TNFα increased significantly (P≤0.05). But the investigated variables did not show any significant difference between the two exercise interventions.
Conclusions: HIIT and HIFT exercises can probably improve the inflammatory condition in obese women, and according to the needs and goals, these types of interventions can be used to improve obesity.